Springfield Smoking Ban Approved

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — For the second time, Springfield voters have approved a smoking ban in workplaces and public areas.

Unofficial results show an attempt to repeal the April 2011 ban failed Tuesday by a vote of about 36 percent to 64 percent.

The Springfield News-Leader reports support for the ban was stronger in Tuesday’s vote than in the first election, when it passed with only 53 percent of the vote. Turnout in the two elections was essentially the same.

Opponents said recent exemptions added to the ban by the city council took the steam out of the repeal effort. A spokeswoman for opponents says they do not intend to mount another challenge to the smoking ban.